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Non-Profit Administration

Nonprofit Administration

About the Program

The Nonprofit Administration Online Program offers students education and specific training in the field of nonprofit administration. These courses are offered entirely online and are designed for interested students as well as busy professionals working in the nonprofit sector. Practicing administrators and others interested in building skills relating to nonprofit administration are encouraged to register. The courses do not require specific meeting times. Students may elect to take one or all of the courses.

There is no formal application process or enrollment requirement for these courses; you may simply register for the courses using this site. Students who do not wish to pursue the Professional Certificate may also take the courses individually.

Assistance and Information

To receive more information on the program, the certificate, or for academic advising, please contact Laura Fellin at laura.fellin@mso.umt.edu or 406.243.2586. Laura is located in the Office for Civic Engagement, Davidson Honors College 015.

Course fees are subject to change. The total cost for the Professional Certificate is approximately $3,000. Required textbooks are listed on course syllabi and may be purchased online (i.e. Amazon, etc.).

Fee Rates

There is no fee differential for out-of-state students.

Withdrawal Policy

Because of the intensive nature of these courses, students must login to the course no later than the third instructional day. Students will not be able to add into a course once it has started. The final deadline to withdraw from a course is one week before the last day of the course. After this date, no withdrawals are allowed and the course grade assigned by the instructor will be posted to the student transcript. To withdraw from a course, please submit a request to Clare Kelly, clare.kelly@umontana.edu.

Refund Schedule

Please note The University of Montana requires a "Substitute W-9 Form" in order to process refunds for payments made by check. The "Substitute W-9" form requires your Social Security Number.

Financial Aid and Discounts

Financial aid is not available exclusively for the Nonprofit Administration Online Program. However, if students are simultaneously enrolled in a degree-seeking course of study, then the online courses may count toward the minimum credit requirement for financial aid. Please discuss this option with your primary institution of higher education.

Great news for national service alumni students can make use of their AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for these courses! It is important to note however that students do have to pay for courses up front and get “reimbursed” via the Education Award. For more information, please contact Laura Fellin at laura.fellin@mso.umt.edu or 406.243.2586.

Course Schedule and Descriptions

Advocacy and Public Policy
Grant Writing
Program Planning and Evaluation

Human Resources

Intro. Board Management

August 25 - December 5, 2014

January 26 - May 8, 2015

May 26 - July 31, 2015

Internship

Internship

Internship

Each course will involve approximately 5 hours of work each week: 2.5 hours of online contact and 2.5 hours of study/homework. The one exception to this is Grant Writing, which, due to its intricacies, may require up to ten hours a week. Please note that graduate level work will require additional time.

Syllabi listed below provide an overview of the course content, but are subject to change prior to the course start dates. The official course syllabus will be placed in Moodle (the course delivery system) prior to the beginning of the course.

Required textbooks are noted on the course syllabus and may be purchased online (i.e. Amazon, etc.). Students should purchase textbooks before the first class meeting.

Advocacy and Public Policy (PSCI 405)

This course is intended for students and professionals interested in learning the concepts related to nonprofit advocacy and public policy. The course will examine how policy influences nonprofits as well as how nonprofits impact policy. It will address the role of nonprofit organizations in the public policy process including advocacy strategies and techniques and examine in turn how laws shape nonprofit involvement in that process. Instructor: Cindy Briggs, Ph.D.

Read the syllabus. For the required textbook, please see the syllabus.
Course dates: January 26 - April 3, 2015.

Introduction to Board Management (PSCI 406)

This course explores the components inherent in creating and maintaining a governing body that promotes a healthy and successful nonprofit organization. Critical governance, leadership, and management elements are studied including: strategic planning; policy-making; fundraising and financial roles and responsibilities; strategies for board recruitment, orientation and evaluation; and Executive Director/Board relationships. Instructor: Terry Profota, Adjunct Professor in the College of Business at Montana State University and president of Sage Solutions consulting.Read the syllabus.
Course dates: January 27 - April 3, 2015.

Introduction to Financial Management (PSCI 413)

This course teaches the basics of financial management for nonprofits. This course will explore special issues related to nonprofit finances including budgeting, reporting, tax issues and accounting, focusing primarily on financial statements, continuous budgeting and executive processes. Instructor: Lisa Swallow, Business Technology Faculty, University of Montana-College of Technology.Read the syllabus.
Course dates: August 25 - October 31, 2014.

Fundraising (PSCI 412)

This course teaches students the basics of fundraising, including annual fund, major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, grants and special events. The course will also give students the foundation and tools needed to implement these plans into action. By the end of the course students will have developed at least one major fundraising plan focusing on one area. Instructor: Cindy Briggs, Ph.D.Read the syllabus. For the required textbook, please see the syllabus.
Course dates: August 25 - October 31, 2014.

Grant Writing (PSCI 411)

This course teaches students how and where to look for foundation and government funding sources; and the fundamentals of writing effective grant proposals. Instructor: Cindy Briggs, Ph.D.

Please note: Students will write pieces of a grant proposal and must come to the course with a nonprofit in mind to work with on the grant. If you do not currently work for a nonprofit, or are not affiliated with one, please be sure to find one prior to the start of the course. You may contact Dr. Briggs at cindy.briggs@umontana.edu for ideas and suggestions.Read the syllabus. For the required textbook, please see the syllabus.
Course dates: January 26 - April 3, 2015.

Human Resources (PSCI 401)

In this course, you will acquire substantive knowledge of each major area of human resource management, develop problem-solving skills relevant to situations faced by managers and personnel officers and develop technical skills relevant to the effective administration of personnel systems and the effective management of human resources. The course provides a solid base in developing an understanding of human resource management and applying that understanding to work-life situations for Executive Directors and staff who supervise and manage others. The course also provides an overview of the numerous federal laws, executive orders, and court decisions which have shaped the field of human resource management. Instructor: Jesse Munro, Adjunct Instructor in Political Science at the University of Montana.Read the syllabus. For the required textbook, please see the syllabus.
Course dates: May 26 - July 31, 2015.

Program Planning and Evaluation (PSCI 403)

Learn how to articulate your goals and objectives, and how to design an evaluation plan that will show your grantors and other supporters that what you do actually makes a difference. It starts with identifying the program's culture, mission and vision to ultimately develop a comprehensive program plan. A well-designed and presented program plan, including mechanisms for assessing the efficacy of your work, should be the heart and soul of your operations and of your fundraising strategy. Instructor: Andrea Vernon, Ed.D., Director, Office of Civic Engagement at the University of Montana.Read the syllabus.
Course dates: January 26 - April 3, 2015.

Strategic Planning (PSCI 410)

This course highlights the importance of leadership for realizing an organization's fullest potential. It also introduces strategic planning--a process by which staff members can bring their shared vision of success into being. The reading assignments are designed to increase knowledge of strategic planning and leadership, and the writing assignments are designed to build personal skill and confidence by asking you to draft a brief strategic plan. Instructor: Jesse Munro, Adjunct Instructor in Political Science at The University of Montana.Read the syllabus. For the required textbook, please see the syllabus.
Course dates: August 25 - October 31, 2014.

Volunteer Management (PSCI 402)

Volunteers are the heart and soul of many nonprofits and often play a vital role in the capacity and success of an organization. The challenge is how best to train them, motivate them, retain them, and effectively utilize their strengths. Volunteer programs require the same type of managerial effort that any other program effort would require, and there are many factors to consider in ensuring that the experience is positive for both the volunteer and the organization. This course provides resources on effectively managing, training, recruiting, recognizing, and rewarding volunteers. Instructor: Cindy Briggs, Ph.D.Read the syllabus. For the required textbook, please see the syllabus.
Course dates: August 25 - October 31, 2014.

Four-Credit Internship (PSCI 498/598)

The internship component of the certificate program includes at least 300 hours of volunteer or paid hours working directly with a nonprofit organization. If the student works at a nonprofit organization, professional work that is aligned with the program focus will qualify as internship credit. Students will complete various reflection activities, including a formal, 10-page paper, documenting their learning throughout the internship experience.

Instructor consent is required for registration in the internship. Additionally, it is recommended that students complete two to three courses before beginning the internship. To obtain approval, please complete the Internship Registration Request. Questions regarding the internship may be directed to Colleen Kane in the Office for Civic Engagement at colleen.kane@mso.umt.edu or 406.243.5128. After approval has been granted, the instructor will send the registrant a link to register online for the internship.

Available for 4 undergraduate (PSCI 498) or graduate credits (PSCI 598). Registration is required before hours can be applied to the internship. PSCI 498 is available for traditional letter grading (e.g., A, B, C) or credit/no credit. PSCI 598 is available for credit/no credit grading only.

Dr. Cindy Briggs, CFRE

Dr. Cindy Briggs has over 20 years of nonprofit and fundraising experience. Beginning her fundraising career in college, Dr. Briggs has held various positions within nonprofits such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kentucky Humane Society, Goodwill Industries, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Most recently, Dr. Briggs served as a nonprofit consultant helping both small and large organizations succeed in governance and fundraising. She teaches for The University of Montana and Collin College and is a frequent speaker at national conferences.

Dr. Briggs holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, an MA in Higher Education, an MPA with emphasis in nonprofit management, and a BA in Communication/Public Relations. She also obtained her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2006.

Colleen Kane

Colleen Kane graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in English and went on to earn her Masters in Adult Education at Western Washington University. She taught English to non-native speakers and administered a state-wide AmeriCorps program in Washington before joining the Office for Civic Engagement as their Student Programs Manager. In her current role, she manages the student AmeriCorps programs at UM, teaches service learning classes, and serves as an advisor for national service members participating in the ALIVE program.

Jesse Munro, MPA

Jesse Munro has over 30 years management experience at the county, state and federal levels of government. He retired from government service in 2006. He has over 15 years of active participation with nonprofits including board membership, fundraising, volunteer, and advisory positions. He is a Vietnam era veteran of the United States Air Force.

Jesse holds a Master of Public Administration degree from The University of Montana and a BA in Sociology from Carroll College (Montana). He has been teaching at the college level since 1992 for Carroll College, Montana State University, and The University of Montana. He currently teaches graduate and undergraduate level courses for the Political Science Department at The University of Montana in a mix of face-to-face and online formats. Jesse is a current member of the UM Faculty Senate, a faculty advisor for both Delta Gamma Sorority and Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, and a member of various UM committees including the UM Title IX and Gender Equity Committee.

Terry Profota

Terry Profota’s business and nonprofit experience spans over 35 years. In 2004 she started Sage Solutions Nonprofit Consulting, LLC and since that time has worked with hundreds of nonprofits helping them to improve their operational, organizational, and fundraising effectiveness.

Terry has a Masters in Nonprofit Management and an undergraduate degree in Business Management. In addition to her consulting practice, Terry is an adjunct professor at Montana State University’s College of Business and has developed and teaches online nonprofit management courses for the Humane Society of the United States’ University and The University of Montana. She is a Founding Board Member and past Chair of the Montana Nonprofit Association.

Lisa Swallow, CPA CMA MS

As a business professor, Lisa Swallow spent over 20 years teaching accounting and business communications courses at California State University Chico, The University of Montana College of Technology, and the School of Financial Studies at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales, Australia.

She earned a Master of Science from California State University Chico and an MBA from Bainbridge Graduate Institute in Puget Sound, which offered one of the first green MBA programs in the country.

Lisa is a board member of the Sustainable Business Council in Missoula, was a member on an advisory committee at the University of Montana that created the first climate change minor in the country, and frequently writes columns for Western Montana’s InBusiness Monthly. In 2009, Lisa published “Green Business Practices for Dummies,” which informs readers how to reduce the environmental impact of a business without reducing its bottom line.

Registration

Registration for courses in the Nonprofit Administration Online Program closes about two weeks before course start dates. Please register early. Each course carries a maximum enrollment and will be closed to registration when full. Each course also carries a minimum enrollment; therefore, a sufficient number of registered, paid students is required by the registration deadline or the course will be canceled and full refunds issued to students. We strongly encourage not waiting until the last minute to register as the courses may be full or canceled due to low enrollment.

If you are new to or relatively unfamiliar with the nonprofit sector, you are still welcome in these courses. A great resource for beginning to familiarize yourself with nonprofit organizations can be found at http://www.managementhelp.org/org_thry/np_thry/np_intro.htm. You can also refer back to this page and its links if you find yourself on unfamiliar ground in any of the courses.

The material taught and used in these courses largely concerns 501(c)3, or "charitable" nonprofit organizations. In many cases, however, knowledge gained can be adapted for use in other types of nonprofits.

*Please note: For the Grant Writing course, students will write pieces of a grant proposal and must come to the course with a nonprofit in mind to work with on the grant. If you do not currently work for a nonprofit, or are not affiliated with one, please be sure to find one prior to the start of the course. You may contact Dr. Briggs at cindy.briggs@umontana.edu for ideas and suggestions.

Professional Certificate

Professional Certificate

The Online Professional Certificate in Nonprofit Administration is approved through The University of Montana Academic Standards and Curriculum Review Committee and the Graduate Council. Through a set of core courses and an internship, students combine theoretical learning about nonprofit practices such as grant writing, strategic planning, fundraising and human resource management with hands-on experience at a nonprofit organization. Students must complete at least 12 credits from among a series of 2-credit online courses in addition to completing a 4-credit internship course. A grade of C or above must be achieved in order to receive credit toward the Professional Certificate. Credit cannot be granted retroactively for courses that were previously completed on a non-credit basis.

Certification Process

The program certification process is simple and designed to be self-directed. The initial notification of a student's intent to complete the professional certificate is provided through the submission of the Internship Registration Request which is a prerequisite to the course registration. The second notification is provided through the submission of the Intent to Certify form once the full program requirements are met . Finally, students are required to submit a copy of their UM transcript to the Office for Civic Engagement by way of email attachment, laura.fellin@mso.umt.edu. UM Transcripts are accessible via Cyberbear. Please ensure that all completed courses appear on the transcript prior to submission.

Once all documentation is received and verified, the certificate will be sent directly to the address provided in the Intent to Certify form.

Assistance and Information

To receive more information on the program, the certificate, AmeriCorps Education Award use, or for academic advising, please contact Laura Fellin at laura.fellin@mso.umt.edu or 406.243.2586. Laura is located in the Office for Civic Engagement, Davidson Honors College 015.

For registration and course access questions, please contact Clare Kelly at clare.kelly@umontana.edu or 406.243.6496. Clare is located in the School of Extended and Lifelong Learning.